Podcasts · The Story of Malta: The Fortress Island of the Mediterranean — Fexingo History
The Maltese Corsairs: Privateers of the Mediterranean
· 9:38 · S4 E166
Episode The Maltese Corsairs: Privateers of the Mediterranean
In this episode of The Story of Malta, Lucas and Luna explore the world of Maltese corsairs—privateers sanctioned by the Knights of St. John to raid Muslim shipping in the Mediterranean. They delve into the legal and moral framework of the corso, how it funded the island's defenses and built Valletta, and the lives of the men who captained these ships. The conversation touches on figures like Fra' Mathurin d'Aux de Lescout, the corsair who became a knight, and the controversial practice of enslaving captured crews. Lucas explains the intricate rules of the corsair license, the role of the Sacre Infermeria in treating wounded corsairs, and the fine line between piracy and legitimate warfare. The episode also highlights the economic impact of corso on Malta, including the bustling slave market at Piazza degli Schiavi. This is a nuanced look at how a small island nation thrived on the edge of empires by mastering the sea.
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Transcript
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